If you’ve been noticing clusters of red, inflamed bumps around your mouth, nose, or eyes that don’t seem to go away, you're not alone. You could be dealing with perioral dermatitis- a skin condition that’s incredibly frustrating, but thankfully, manageable once you know the root cause.

What is Perioral Dermatitis?

Perioral dermatitis is a facial rash that typically appears around the mouth, but can also show up around the nose, eyes, or forehead. It often looks like small red or pink bumps, sometimes with dry, flaky patches, and may feel itchy, burning, or tender.

Unlike acne, these bumps don’t usually contain pus and are more uniform in appearance. It’s common in women aged 20–45, especially those with a sensitive or reactive skin barrier.

Common Causes & Triggers

Perioral dermatitis often flares in response to:

• Hormonal imbalances: Many women notice flare-ups around their cycle or in periods of hormonal fluctuation (like post-pill, postpartum, or during stress).

• Over-cleansing or exfoliating: Too many active ingredients or frequent face washing can aggravate the skin.

• Gut health imbalances: An often-overlooked link. The skin is a reflection of the gut- imbalances here can show up as inflammation on the skin.

• Skincare products: Heavy moisturisers, certain sunscreens, fluoridated toothpaste, and makeup can disrupt the skin barrier.

Natural Ways to Support Perioral Dermatitis

1. Simplify your skincare

Strip it right back. Choose gentle, fragrance-free products and avoid actives (like acids and retinol) during a flare.

2. Balance from the inside out

• Gut support: Include prebiotic and probiotic-rich foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, and fibre-rich veggies. Consider a targeted gut protocol if you’re experiencing bloating, irregular bowel movements, or a history of antibiotics. 

• Anti-inflammatory nutrients: Zinc, vitamin C, omega-3s, and antioxidants can help calm skin inflammation.

3. Address hormonal imbalances

If your flares align with your cycle or you've recently come off hormonal contraception, you may benefit from gentle hormonal support. Nutrients like vitex, withania, magnesium, and B vitamins help regulate hormones and calm the nervous system.

4. Lower your stress load

Stress plays a major role in flare-ups. Mindful practices like walking in nature, breathwork, herbal teas, and prioritising sleep all have a powerful impact on your skin.

Looking for Targeted Skin Support?

At Whole Health Studio, we’ve created skin-loving formulations that address the gut–hormone–skin connection, using research-backed herbs and nutrients to promote healing from the inside out.

Healthy Skin Support – Supports detoxification, calms inflammation, and nourishes skin from within
Gut Cleanse + Repair – A two-step protocol designed to reset the gut and reduce inflammatory triggers
Balance Hormone Support – Promotes healthy hormone balance in females, which is essential for long-term skin clarity